Government Computer News
http://www.gcn.com
By: Tony Lee Orr
October 23, 2000


Section 508: Feds push for industry shift 

Rebecca Ogle couldn’t see over the podium as she appealed to government
offices to push suppliers for hardware and software that the nation’s
disabled can use. 

"Lack of access to information technology is as much of a problem as physical
inaccessibility," Ogle said from her wheelchair. The top of her blonde head
barely reached the podium, constructed for standing speakers. 

http://www.gcn.com/vol19_no31/news/3195-1.html



Guidelines for Section 508 expected by January

Guidelines to help agencies comply with the Section 508 directive that
information technology be accessible to disabled users will likely be ready
by January. 

After the federal Access Board issues the guidelines, agencies will then have
six months before the rules take effect, said Doug Wakefield, an
accessibility specialist with the board. 

http://www.gcn.com/vol19_no31/news/3178-1.html



Census deems its assistive technology pilot a success

The Census Bureau has chalked up as a success its pilot of an interface tool
that increased productivity among disabled volunteer users. 

http://www.gcn.com/vol19_no31/news/3179-1.html